A new partnership to tackle Bovine TB - a disease in cattle that costs taxpayers in Northern Ireland £40m a year - has been launched.

It follows a study, commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), into ways to eradicate the problem.

Almost one in 10 herds are estimated to have TB, with infected animals slaughtered and affected herds subject to restrictions.

The current strategy entails the regular testing of animals with diseased reactors removed by DAERA. Farmers are compensated for cattle that are removed.

But the impact of losing animals that have unique pedigrees and breeding qualities honed over many years still represents a genuine wrench for farmers.

Despite many years of testing and reactor removal the aim of eradicating the disease seems to be as distant as was the case decades ago.

Given this backdrop DAERA has embarked on a new and ambitious campaign to finally get to grips with the TB scourge.

The latest phase of the initiative was unveiled on day two of Balmoral Show with DAERA announcing the establishment of a new TB Eradication Partnership (TBEP).

According to permanent secretary Dennis McMahon, the initiative represents a fresh approach to addressing the high levels of TB in this part of the world.

In essence, industry stakeholders and veterinary representatives within the partnership will work with DAERA to provide independent advice, assist in policy development and in programme delivery.

Belfast Telegraph promotional team members Lauren Rolston and Aoibheann McKinley during Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

The tug of war competition during Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

The tug of war competition during Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Anne Matthews and Betty Rodgers from A Blissful Blend pictured with Nick McCafferty Entrepreneur Development Apprentice at Ulster Bank. A Blissful Blend was one of the companies provided with free space by Ulster Bank to exhibit in its marquee. The companies include Ulster Bank customers and entrepreneurs from the bank's Entrepreneur Accelerator.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Ulster Bank has the NatWest Six Nations trophy at its stand over the duration of this yearÕs Balmoral Show. Visitors to the show today had the chance to have their photo taken with the trophy which Ireland claimed this year as part of their Grand Slam success. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Pig showing and judging at the show. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Ulster Bank has the NatWest Six Nations trophy at its stand over the duration of this yearÕs Balmoral Show. Visitors to the show today had the chance to have their photo taken with the trophy which Ireland claimed this year as part of their Grand Slam success. Pictured with the trophy are Ireland and Ulster captain Rory Best with Jack Francis from Crumlin.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Karen Bradley on Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Karen Bradley on Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Karen Bradley samples food at the Moy Park stand on Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Karen Bradley on Day 2 of the Balmoral show on May 17th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. People queue to gain entry to the show which is celebrating its 150th anniversary (Jonathan Porter/PressEye)

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Ulster Bank's Henry the Hippo with Freya McMinn(2) and her sister Sofia(3).
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. People enjoy the entertainment as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Freestyle Motocross as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Freestyle Motocross as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Crowds enjoy the good weather as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse show jumping as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. People enjoy the entertainment as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show at Balmoral Park. (Jonathan Porter/PressEye)

Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Cattle judging as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues (Jonathan Porter/PressEye)

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. The 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Cattle judging as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Cattle judging as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse showing jumping as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse showing as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse showing as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th May 2018
Second day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse showing as the 150th anniversary Balmoral Show continues. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The eventual aim remains that of eradicating the disease here. Speaking to representatives from across the agri-food and environment sectors, Mr McMahon said: "We recognise the challenge that faces all of us with the high rate of TB incidence.

"It is the source of significant stress for our farming families and has the potential to inflict serious damage on the wider agri-food industry and its ability to trade on a global scale.

"While we have taken a number of measures to address the issue, we want to keep moving forward with our approach.

"TBEP will bring together individuals with knowledge and practical experience who will for the first time have a major role in shaping the TB programme at both a policy and ground level.

"Farmers will be involved at every level having an input to how the TB programme operates and bringing their experience to the problem."

Mr McMahon announced that Sean Hogan has been appointed as chair of TBEP alongside Seamus O'Kane, from a veterinary background, Dr Sam Strain, from a science background and Adrian Patterson and David Rea, both from a farming background.

Mr McMahon did not address the issue of how the evolving TB eradication campaign will be funded. Approximately £40m is spent by DAERA in compensating farmers for the removal of reactor cattle on an annual basis.

Some have questioned will this level of funding be available into the future. Many farmers believe this may not be the case.

The other imponderable is the badger issue. Badgers are known to harbour and spread Bovine TB.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Four year old Anna McFeeters from Carryduff pictured at the show with a Kid goat.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Riverside Special School pupils Dexter project during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Horse Jumping at the Balmoral Show on Wednesday.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Horse Jumping at the Balmoral Show on Wednesday.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

HRH Princess Anne visits the Balmoral show today (Wednesday).
While at the show she viewed an exhibition of the 150 years of the Balmoral show. she also presented an award to Show Judge Terence McKeag for his 50 years service at the show. Photo by Aaron McCracken RUAS/No Repro Fee

HRH Princess Anne visits the Balmoral show today (Wednesday).
While at the show she viewed an exhibition of the 150 years of the Balmoral show. she also presented an award to Show Judge Terence McKeag for his 50 years service at the show. Photo by Aaron McCracken RUAS/No Repro Fee

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Stunt Moto cross riders put off freestyle tricks during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Big Air Motocross Freestyle Jumps at the Balmoral Show.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Singer Derek Ryan pictured at the Balmoral Show on Wednesday.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Riverside Special School pupils Stephen Millar and Matthew Bloomer Dexter project during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. A robotic robot entertains the crowds at the Balmoral Show.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Maurice Murphy and Azaria the goat.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Maurice Murphy and Azaria the goat.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Sarah 12,Rachael 10 and Richard 6 pictured with there sheep.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Jacqueline Baxter from Newtownstwert pictured with Reserve and Special Champion Heifer Beauty Hill Ferrari.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press Belfast: 16/5/2018: The Balmoral Show has begun with the first of four days of events to showcase food and farming in Northern Ireland. As well as a range of livestock classes, the event hosts hundreds of trade stands displaying everything from crafts to machinery. Michaela Rodgers from Carnlough.
Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press.

REPRO FREE McAuley Multimedia 16/05/18 Marcia McNally, TechXpert at Ulster Bank meets Zeldan the Giant French Lop during day one of the 2018 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Wolf and Woodsman's David Knowles, Andy Laverty and Jonny Laverty with Lynsey Cunningham Regional Director, Entrepreneurship at Ulster Bank. Wolf and Woodsman was one of the companies provided with free space by Ulster Bank to exhibit in its marquee. The companies include Ulster Bank customers and entrepreneurs from the bank's Entrepreneur Accelerator.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Jenny Gregg and Lila Gregg from Craft Equestrian with Lynsey Cunningham Regional Director, Entrepreneurship at Ulster Bank. Craft Equestrian was one of the companies provided with free space by Ulster Bank to exhibit in its marquee. The companies include Ulster Bank customers and entrepreneurs from the bank's Entrepreneur Accelerator.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Jake McClurg (10) from Ballynahinch, who is showing sheep, pictured as the gates open for the 150th Balmoral show (Jonathan Porter/PressEye)

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Allen McIntosh of Ulster Wool shows a fleece to school children at the Sheep Shearing competition on the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse show jumping in the parade ring. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Horse show jumping in the parade ring. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Ulster Bank has the NatWest Six Nations trophy at its stand over the four days of this yearÕs Balmoral Show. Visitors to the show today had the chance to have their photo taken with the trophy which Ireland claimed this year as part of their Grand Slam success. Pictured with the trophy are Trevor Hanna and Peter Armstrong from Belfast.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Ulster Bank has the NatWest Six Nations trophy at its stand over the four days of this yearÕs Balmoral Show. Visitors to the show today had the chance to have their photo taken with the trophy which Ireland claimed this year as part of their Grand Slam success. Pictured with the trophy are Miceal Doyle from Ballyward and his children Eoin(8), Clara(6)
and Rose(3).
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Ulster Bank has the NatWest Six Nations trophy at its stand over the four days of this yearÕs Balmoral Show. Visitors to the show today had the chance to have their photo taken with the trophy which Ireland claimed this year as part of their Grand Slam success. Pictured with the trophy is Ulster Bank Henry The Hippo
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Katherine Smart , aged 5 ,from Loughgall during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park (Brian Little/PressEye)

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Conor Savage from Castlewellen preparing his Blondie cattle during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Horse jumping competition starts on the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Max Jess aged 3 from Kilkeel looking at the tractors during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Cattle showing in the parade ring. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Cattle showing in the parade ring. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Who jumping in the parade ring. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th May 2018
First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park. Cattle showing in the parade ring. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Matthew Preston, aged 12, from Antrim showing his Dexter Cattle during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Emma Allen from Loughgall showing her Limousin Bull during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Martine McCann (left) and Alica McAuley with her Limousin Cattle during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

PressEye-Northern Ireland- 16th May 2018-Picture by Brian Little/ PressEye
Hayden Tumelty from Dowpatrick with his Dexter cattle during the First day of the 2018 Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, at Balmoral Park
Picture by Brian Little/PressEye

Rhonda Geary

15th May 2017 - Picture by Matt Mackey / PressEye.com
Final preparations are under way for the 150th Balmoral Show.

15th May 2017 - Picture by Matt Mackey / PressEye.com
Final preparations are under way for the 150th Balmoral Show.
Andrea McKee from Killinchy along with her horse

15th May 2017 - Picture by Matt Mackey / PressEye.com
Final preparations are under way for the 150th Balmoral Show.
Emily Magowan from Killinchy and her horse Patrick.

15th May 2017 - Picture by Matt Mackey / PressEye.com
Final preparations are under way for the 150th Balmoral Show.

15th May 2017 - Picture by Matt Mackey / PressEye.com
Final preparations are under way for the 150th Balmoral Show.
Emily Magowan from Killinchy and her horse Patrick.

15th May 2017 - Picture by Matt Mackey / PressEye.com
Final preparations are under way for the 150th Balmoral Show.

Farm stakeholder groups are adamant that the testing of badgers must be an integral part of a future TB eradication campaign. This was a point made with great ferocity by Royal Ulster Agricultural Society president Cyril Millar when he spoke on day two of this year's Balmoral Show.

What remains certain is the fact that TB eradication will remain a core challenge for agriculture for many years to come.